Hop into Spring event and giveaway

Readers, join us as we celebrate the coming of spring with our Hope into Spring event and giveaway.
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Surround Me is my featured book. All these others sound great.
Don’t miss your chance to enter to win a $100 Amazon gift card and 30 books. Click here to enter: https://promosimple.com/ps/e1f7/hop-into-spring
To visit with authors and have a chance to win prizes during the event, click here: https://www.facebook.com/events/1715762038570488/
The event and giveaway is going on now through May 4!
I am so excited about this! I would love to read all of the books.
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Love’s Rescue Review and Giveaway

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About the Book

Book: Love’s RescueLove's Rescue

Author: Linda Shenton Matchett

Genre: Historic Romance

Release Date: February 14, 2019

A prostitute, a spy, and the liberation of Paris.

Sold by her parents to settle a debt, Rolande Bisset is forced into prostitution. Years later, shunned by her family and most of society, it’s the only way she knows how to subsist. When the Germans overrun Paris, she decides she’s had enough of evil men controlling her life and uses her wiles to obtain information for the Allied forces. Branded a collaborator, her life hangs in the balance. Then an American spy stumbles onto her doorstep. Is redemption within her grasp?

Simon Harlow is one of an elite corps of American soldiers. Regularly chosen for dangerous covert missions, he is tasked with infiltrating Paris to ascertain the Axis’s defenses. Nearly caught by German forces moments after arriving, he owes his life to the beautiful prostitute who claims she’s been waiting for the Allies to arrive. Her lifestyle goes against everything he believes in, but will she steal his heart during his quest to liberate her city?

Inspired by the biblical story of Rahab, Love’s Rescue is a tale of faith and hope during one of history’s darkest periods.

 

Click here to purchase your copy.

My Review

Linda Matchett’s novella, Love’s Rescue, touches at the heart of many issues arising during trying, abnormal times. “Rahab” meets the French Resistance at the end of WWII in Paris. Accusations abound around Rolande and her involvement with the Nazi stationed in occupied Paris. Her family is the first to shun her, to turn her away.

Yet, God has a plan. Doesn’t he always make himself known even in the bleakest corner of our lives. Matchett allows her characters to make life-changing decisions that lead them down paths of hardship and sin, yet God is waiting to use their lives for his good.

Join Rolande and Simon on a journey of redemption and hope. Thank you, Linda, for a glimpse into a part of our lives that we want to hide but knowing that there is another purpose for our pain and suffering.

About the Author

Linda Shenton Matchett is an author, speaker, and history geek. A native of Baltimore, Linda-Matchett-Head-Shot-200x300Maryland, she was born a stone’s throw from Fort McHenry (of Star Spangled Banner fame) and has lived in historic places all her life. Linda is a member of ACFW, RWA, and Sisters in Crime. She is a volunteer docent and archivist at the Wright Museum of WWII and a trustee for her local public library.

 

More from Linda

Dear Reader:

Love’s Rescue is a modern retelling of the biblical book of Rahab. I set the story in Paris during the last weeks of the German occupation of France during WWII. While researching the book, I read numerous memoirs and interviews of folks who lived through the occupation. Two aspects discussed time and time again were rationing and the difficulty in getting food. People with any amount of land at all planted produce to supplement the meager supply in the shops. If they were fortunate and an egg was available, it would be fried to a runny consistency and poured over the top of the dish.

Here is a simple recipe for Ratatouille:

Ingredients

1 whole white onion

1 large eggplant

1 large zucchini

1 bell pepper

2 medium tomatoes

2 large cloves garlic

2 sprigs thyme

2 T Olive oil

Salt & Pepper

 

Instructions

  • Peel garlic cloves. Smash with end of knife, then cut into a small dice.
  • Cut onions, bell pepper, and tomatoes into a medium dice.
  • Chop the eggplant and zucchini into 1” cubes.
  • In a large saucepan or pot, warm olive oil to coat the bottom of the pan. Warm over low heat. Add the onion to the pot and cook until tender – about five minutes.
  • Add garlic and saute for about 30 seconds.
  • Add remaining vegetables to the pot.
  • Add a generous pinch of salt and a light pinch of pepper.
  • Add the thyme.
  • Cover the saucepan or pot with a lid and cook over medium-low heat for approximately 40 minutes, until all the vegetables are tender and there is little liquid in the pot.
  • Serve on your favorite platter.

Bon Appétit!

 

Blog Stops

Texas Book-aholic, April 16

Carpe Diem, April 17

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, April 18

Reflections From My Bookshelves, April 19

Inklings and notions , April 20

A Reader’s Brain, April 21

Genesis 5020, April 22

Books, Books, and More Books., April 22

Carla Loves to Read, April 23

Connie’s History Classroom, April 23

For Him and my Family, April 24

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, April 24

Maureen’s Musings, April 25

Connect in Fiction, April 26

Through the Fire Blogs, April 26

mpbooksApril 27

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, April 27

Real World Bible Study, April 28

My Devotional Thoughts , April 28

janicesbookreviews, April 29

The Becca Files, April 29

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Linda is giving away a grand prize of a French/WWII themed gift basket that includes a WWII Word Find book by Linda Shenton Matchett, Love’s Rescue – Wartime Brides Book 2 by Linda Shenton Matchett, French-milled soap lavender scent, a Fleur-de-lis ribbon book mark, a set of three note pads with French motif, and a set of cocktail napkins with French motif!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter. https://promosimple.com/ps/de7e/love-s-rescue-celebration-tour-giveaway

Please comment on this post for a chance to win the prize.

The Governess of Penwythe Hall Review and Giveaway

The Governess of Penwythe Hall FB Banner

About the Book

 

Book: The Governess of Penwythe HallThe Governess of Penwythe Hall

Author: Sarah Ladd

Genre: Historical Romance

Release Date: April 16, 2019

In the first of a new series from beloved Regency romance author, Sarah Ladd, Delia, a governess to five recently orphaned children, would risk anything to protect them . . . even her heart.

Cornwall was in her blood, and Delia feared she’d never escape its hold.

Cornwall, England, 1811

Blamed for her husband’s death, Cordelia Greythorne fled Cornwall and accepted a governess position to begin a new life. Years later her employer’s unexpected death and his last request to watch over his five children force her to reevaluate. She can’t abandon the children now that they’ve lost both parents, but their new guardian lives at the timeworn Penwythe Hall . . . back on the Cornish coast she tries desperately to forget.

Jac Trethewey is determined to revive Penwythe Hall’s once-flourishing apple orchards, and he’ll stop at nothing to see his struggling estate profitable again. He hasn’t heard from his brother in years, so when his nieces, nephews, and their governess arrive unannounced at Penwythe Hall, he battles both grief of this brother’s death and bewilderment over this sudden responsibility. Jac’s priorities shift as the children take up residence in the ancient halls, but their secretive governess—and the mystery shrouding her past—proves to be a disruption to his carefully laid plans.

Rich with family secrets, lingering danger, and the captivating allure of new love, this first book in the Cornwall Novels series introduces us to the Twethewey family and their search for peace, justice, and love on the Cornish coast.

 

Click here to purchase your copy.

 

About the Author

Sarah E. Ladd received the 2011 Genesis Award in historical romance for The Heiress of Winterwood. She is a graduate of Ball State University and has more than ten years of marketing experience. Sarah lives in Indiana with her amazing family and spunky golden retriever. Visit her online at SarahLadd.com; Facebook: SarahLaddAuthor; Twitter: @SarahLaddAuthor.

More About The Governess of Penwythe Hall

5 things to know about Cornwall, England:

  1. Throughout its early history, Cornwall’s inhabitants called the country Kernow.
  2. Early inhabitants largely spoke their own language known as “Cornish,” which became nearly extinct in the 1800s
  3. The country has a long and rugged coastline and there were frequent shipwrecks.
  4. Fishing was a major industry, with herring, mackerel, and sardines being common catches.
  5. In 1870, novelist and poet Thomas Hardy called Cornwall “the region of dream and mystery.”

 

Imagine yourself in The Governess of Penwythe Hall with these pictures of 19th Century life in Cornwall

https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/gallery/2016/may/19/everyday-life-in-cornwall-captured-in-the-19th-century-in-pictures

Sources:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/british/empire_seapower/cornish_nation_01.shtml

https://www.maritimeheritage.org/ports/Cornwall.html

http://www.cornwallgoodseafoodguide.org.uk/cornish-fishing/history-of-the-cornish-fishing-industry.php

My Review

Through the word pictures in this novel, I feel I’ve visited Cornwall and walked the moors and the beaches with all its wild, untamed virtues. Delia’s life, because of circumstances, is like the savage but beautiful landscape—ever-changing, mysterious, severe, dramatic—anything but calm.

Shrouded with mystery, even to the reader until the end, Delia’s life as a governess is meant to give her security and a hiding place from her part, although the pendant on her necklace reminds her of all that she has lost.

Mr. Trethewey of Penwythe Hall has struggles of his own without the addition of five children and a governess who is surrounded with mystery.

I loved everything about this novel. I’ve read many of Ladd’s books, and I’m happy to say this one is amazing too. 5 stars!

Blog Stops

Back Porch Reads, April 11

LifeofLiterature, April 11

Moments, April 11

Genesis 5020, April 11

Maureen’s Musings, April 12

The Power of Words, April 12

Mary Hake, April 12

To Everything A Season, April 12

KarenSueHadley, April 13

EmpowerMoms, April 13

For the Love of Literature, April 13

Inklings and notions, April 13

The Avid Reader, April 14

Blogging With Carol, April 14

D’S QUILTS & BOOKS, April 14

Rachel’s Back Talk, April 15

Wishful Endings, April 15

Simple Harvest Reads, April 15 (Guest post from Mindy Houng)

Kat’s Corner Books, April 16

All-of-a-kind Mom, April 16

Daysong Reflections, April 16

The Becca Files, April 16

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, April 17

Blossoms and Blessings, April 17

Remembrancy, April 17

Worthy2Read, April 18

By The Book, April 18

Texas Book-aholic, April 18

Just the Write Escape, April 19

Stephanie’s Life of Determination, April 19

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, April 19

Babbling Becky’s Book Impressions, April 20

Tell Tale Book Reviews, April 20

For HIm and My Family, April 20

Locks, Hooks and Books, April 21

Inspiration Clothesline, April 21

Pause for Tales, April 21

Through the Fire Blogs, April 22

Bigreadersite, April 22

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, April 22

Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, April 22

Inspired by fiction, April 23

A Reader’s Brain, April 23

Hallie Reads, April 23

Henry Happens, April 24

Connect in Fiction, April 24

The Meanderings of a Bookworm, April 24

janicesbookreviews, April 24

 

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Sarah is giving away a grand prize of a finished paperback copy of The Governess of Penwythe  Hall!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter. https://promosimple.com/ps/de80/the-governess-of-penwythe-hall-celebration-tour-giveaway

Be sure to leave a comment for a chance to win. Enjoy!

 

This Daring Journey Review and Giveaway

This Daring Journey FB Banner

Tour page on Celebrate Lit

About the BookThis Daring Journey

 

Book: This Daring Journey

Author: Misty M. Beller

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release Date: March 26, 2019

As a half-Indian raised among her Peigan tribe, Moriah Clark knows better than to trust white people. The tragedy that resulted in her birth is proof enough. But when her trusted grandfather marries her to a white man, she has no choice to but to obey and hope this new life isn’t her downfall. Her white husband turns out to be a decent sort, but his unexpected death left her to birth a newborn baby among hostile mountain men. She wants nothing more than to retreat to the safe haven of her tribal upbringing. When a mysterious frontiersman arrives on her doorstep seeking her deceased husband, his offer to escort her and the babe to her people seems like the opportunity she’s been praying to find. But can she trust him?

Samuel Grant has been sent to retrieve Henry Clark for his sister’s wedding, but the sight that greets him at the little cabin in the woods is not what he expected. Not only has the man died, but Henry’s wife is fighting off an aggressive gang of men at gunpoint—while trying to conceal a newborn. He can’t leave the pair unattended, so helping her travel into the mountain country to reach her family seems like the only option. If he can win her trust, that is.

Such a grueling journey with a three-week-old baby will be risky, but the challenges that arise test them far more than either expected. When a devastating surprise increases the danger ten-fold, Moriah focuses all her efforts on keeping her newborn daughter alive. Maybe that’s why she doesn’t realize how much of her heart belongs to the mountain man—until it’s too late.

 

Click here to purchase your copy.

 

About the Author

Misty M. Beller writes romantic mountain stories, set on the 1800s frontier and woven Mistywith the truth of God’s love.

She was raised on a farm in South Carolina, so her Southern roots run deep. Growing up, her family was close, and they continue to keep that priority today. Her husband and children now add another dimension to her life, keeping her both grounded and crazy.

God has placed a desire in Misty’s heart to combine her love for Christian fiction and the simpler ranch life, writing historical novels that display God’s abundant love through the twists and turns in the lives of her characters

 

More from Misty

How did I get started writing?

I’ve always loved to read, but several years ago I was putting together my bucket list, and realized that I really did want to write a novel. So, “Write a novel that’s published” made it near the top!

I decided, it’s now or never, and made the commitment to do it. So, I had a general idea that I wanted it to be a Christian historical western romance. But where to start? I finally decided I needed to find a good book to help me plan. I stumbled upon (a.k.a. God led me to) the best possible book to help me get started with a great plan: Plot and Structure by James Scott Bell. For all you writers out there, I can’t recommend it highly enough!

From there, I’ve soaked in every bit of writing instruction I can from some amazing groups and individuals. And I’ve spent countless hours sitting with my laptop pouring out words onto the screen. Writing is in my blood. It’s my passion. A true gift from my Heavenly Father, and I pray daily that he uses the words for His purpose.

My Review

1866 Canadian Mountains

Life is a journey—an unpredictable one. Samuel Grant doesn’t know that the journey he sets out on will be harder than the one he has just completed. His faith, his heart, and his physical strength are tested as he determines his mission is to safely deliver Moriah and her baby to her people.

As I read Moriah’s story, I wonder if I could have existed in her world. Her life depends on a complete stranger. Living in the wilds of the mountains, everyone has to decide if the strangers they meet are good or bad. I compare it to today where I don’t normally have to depend on strangers. I don’t have to make those judgments like Moriah and Samuel do daily. Faith has to play a big role, hand in hand with trust. Those are qualities to continue to perfect in any period.

Blog Stops

Among the Reads, April 4

Simple Harvest Reads, April 4 (Guest post from Mindy Houng)

The Power of Words, April 5

Jeanette’s Thoughts, April 5

Ashley’s Bookshelf, April 5

Real World Bible Study, April 6

Pause for Tales, April 6

Christian Author, J.E. Grace, April 7

Splashes of Joy, April 7

Blossoms and Blessings, April 8

D’S QUILTS & BOOKS, April 8

Mary Hake, April 8

Godly Book Reviews, April 9

Connie’s History Classroom , April 9

Where Crisis & Christ Collide, April 10

Carla Loves To Read, April 10

A Reader’s Brain, April 10

Library Lady’s Kit Lit, April 11

Wishful Endings, April 11

janicesbookreviews, April 11

Through the Fire Blogs, April 12

Vicky Sluiter, April 12

The Becca Files, April 12

Carpe Diem, April 13

For Him and My Family, April 13

Bigreadersite, April 14

Daysong Reflections, April 14

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, April 14

Connect in Fiction, April 15

Texas Book-aholic, April 15

Stephanie’s Life of Determination, April 15

Inspired by fiction, April 16

For the Love of Books, April 16

Inspiration Clothesline, April 16

Little Homeschool on the Prairie, April 17

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, April 17

Inklings and notions, April 17

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Misty is giving away a grand prize of a $50 Amazon gift card!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter. https://promosimple.com/ps/de81/this-daring-journey-celebration-tour-giveaway

I look forward to reading your comments.

Porch Time

IMG_7402Rise early and praise the Lord!

My normal routine (work) does not allow me to sleep later than five a.m. On the rare occasions when I can sleep later, my body awakes at six, and I force myself to stay in bed until seven. On those days, I cherish my porch time.

IMG_7367I have a beautiful front porch with comfy chairs, potted geraniums, and a view of the woods. This is my go-to place in the morning. On my days off, it’s me, my kitten Scout, the occasional train, and the presence of God.

The forest releases the dew from the tall limbs, letting it fall like rain. Sometimes it does sound like a stream making its way to the creek. When I’m not captivated by the cracking of ancient limbs in the dense woods or a squirrel’s antics, I read. Always, in any season, I have hot tea, English breakfast for me. A cat or two curl up on a blanket in my lap. Need I say it? My porch is peaceful and inviting.

For an hour, I ban all worries and negatives. My mind is clear and sharp, listening to nature, yes, but also for that voice of guidance and purpose. I’m not naive enough to think I can keep the problems away forever. Life happens. Yet, here, on my porch, life is good and sweet and focused.

I hope you have a “porch”–a chair, a corner, a nook, a patio, a space–where it’s just you and God and peace, for the moment.

Finally Accepted by Toni Shiloh

Finally Accepted

I have read all of Toni’s Freedom Lake novels. Finally Accepted is a contemporary read with true to life characters who exist in a society full of imperfections. Both Chloe and Darryl struggle with their place in family relationships, in families that have rejected them and fallen short of the ideal. They do not want to pursue any outside permanent relationship for fear of inadequacies and not feeling good enough. This story is a beautiful picture of dysfunctional families able to break through to the wonderful arena of love through changed lives.

 

When You are Near Review and Giveaway

when you are near FB Banner

Tour page on Celebrate Lit

About the Book

Book: When You Are NearWhen-You-Are-Near-194x300

Author: Tracie Peterson

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release Date: March 5, 2018

After her father’s death, Lizzy Brookstone, a trick rider in the all-female Brookstone Wild West Extravaganza, wants nothing more than to quit her role as the star of the show and live a quiet life on her family’s ranch. But returning home would bring Wesley DeShazer, the ranch’s foreman and the man who broke her heart, back into her life. In addition, the Brookstones’ new manager fears that Lizzy’s departure could doom the already cash-strapped show.

Hope grows in Lizzy during a stopover at Fleming Farm. Ella Fleming not only has a natural talent for trick riding and could easily replace Lizzy, but she’s eager to join the show to flee a forced betrothal. However, while there, one of the show’s wranglers is killed in a manner Lizzy finds suspicious. And during her escape from the farm, Ella stumbles across a secret that could affect all of their lives, as well as the future of the Brookstone Extravaganza.

Click here to purchase your copy.

About the Author

Tracie Peterson (www.traciepeterson.com) is the bestselling, award-winning author of Peterson-Tracie-214x300more than 100 novels. Tracie also teaches writing workshops at a variety of conferences on subjects such as inspirational romance and historical research. She and her family live in Montana.

Guest Post from Tracie

Introducing…When You Are Near!

I’m excited about the new Brookstone Brides series and had so much fun researching for the various characters and locations. This is a story about a fictional Wild West show with all female performers. Prior to the rodeos we see today, the Wild West shows traveled throughout America and Europe to entertain people and give city dwellers a taste of what the American frontier was like. At least their version.

Buffalo Bill Cody was famous for his shows, which brought Native Americans and their culture into the world of people who might otherwise never have even seen an “Indian.” Pawnee Bill was another entertainer who sought to keep these shows alive.

For the fictional show in my novels, I wanted to focus on three female characters who became a part of the Brookstone Wild West Extravaganza for varying reasons. Lizzy Brookstone is the heroine in book one, When You Are Near, and as the daughter of one of the show’s owners, she has enjoyed a starring role as a trick rider.

For research I went to Pueblo, Colorado to the ranch of Karen Vold, a famous trick rider and rodeo star. Linda Scholtz, a famed trick rider, was teaching a clinic there along with Karen at the Red Top Ranch Trickriding School.

These are two remarkable Christian trick riders who have long worked to keep the sport alive. I spent three days getting to know them and what they do and learned so much. And just to prove that we weren’t all work and no play, I thought I’d share my attempt at trick riding. What I won’t do for research!

The series will have three books, as usual, and each book will focus on a different lady and her skills. Mary is a trick shooter like Annie Oakley, and Ella is a Roman rider who stands on the backs of two horses for her part in the act. It was so interesting learning about each of these types of performers, and I hope you’ll get a chance to read all three and enjoy the stories of the Brookstone Wild West Extravaganza.

My Review

I learned a lot in Book One of Tracie’s new series Brookstone Brides, When You are Near. Always when I read a book, I want to be exposed to something new. That is probably why I read and write historical fiction. Lizzy Brookstone is a trick rider in an all-female Wild West Extravaganza in 1900. The author presents a realistic description of what being a trick rider entails. I feel like I was learning alongside the heroine, although I could never do what she does. How brave and scary. The raw emotions are tense as all the characters are dealing with recent loses, some brutal, some part of life. I appreciate the desire of each to sacrifice for the family’s ranch and livelihood through so many changes in their lives. I’m sure I will be reading Book Two.

Blog Stops

Among the Reads, March 26

The Power of Words, March 26

Christian Author, J.E. Grace, March 26

Inklings and notions, March 26

The Meanderings of a bookworm, March 27

Chas Ray’s Book Nerd Corner, March 27

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, March 27

Vicky Sluiter, March 27

Carpe Diem, March 28

The Avid Reader, March 28

Genesis 5020, March 28

The Lit Addict, March 29

Jeanette’s Thoughts, March 29

Back Porch Reads, March 29

Just the Write Escape, March 30

Splashes of Joy, March 30

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, March 30

Emily Yager, March 31

Daysong Reflections, March 31

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, March 31

Life of Literature, April 1

EmpowerMoms, April 1

For the Love of Literature, April 1

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, April 2

Through the Fire Blogs, April 2

Stephanie’s Life of Determination, April 2

For Him and My Family, April 3

Remembrancy, April 3

Inspiration Clothesline, April 3

Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, April 4

Locks, Hooks and Books, April 4

Pause for Tales, April 4

Older & Smarter?, April 5

Stories By Gina, April 5

Book by Book, April 5

Bigreadersite, April 6

Book Bites, Bee Stings, & Butterfly Kisses, April 6

Connect in Fiction, April 6

Godly Book Reviews, April 7

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, April 7

Texas Book-aholic, April 7

Blossoms and Blessings, April 8

janicesbookreviews, April 8

A Reader’s Brain, April 8

The Becca Files, April 8

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Tracie is giving away a grand prize of When You Are Near, Tracie’s A $25 Barnes and Noble Gift card, and the three books in The Heart of Alaska series and three other winners will receive a copy of When You Are Near!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter. https://promosimple.com/ps/dcdd/when-you-are-near-celebration-tour-giveaway

Please leave a comment on this blog.

The Songbird and the Spy Review and Giveaway

The-Songbird-and-the-Spy-FB-Banner

Tour page on Celebrate Lit

About the Book

 

Book: The Songbird and the SpyThe-Songbird-and-the-Spy-200x300

Author: J’Nell Ciesielski

Genre: Clean historical romance

Release Date: Feb 19, 2019

As shells explode over Nazi-occupied France, American music student Claire Baudin is trapped behind enemy lines, struggling to protect her identity. Singing as a barmaid while she plans her escape, a handsome Third Reich captain threatens everything she knows to be true about the enemy.

Nazi Captain Michael Reiner isn’t who he claims to be. A British language expert turned spy, he discovers the truth about Claire, but he knows the importance of a secret. Struggling to resist his attraction to the songbird, he’s determined to complete his assignment, no matter the cost. His cover is threatened when a ruthless female Gestapo officer arrives hunting Resistance fighters. The raid forces Michael’s hand: complete the mission or save Claire.

As the war threatens to tear them apart, they must rely on each other for survival. Is there hope—and a future—for an American songbird and a British spy?

Click here to purchase your copy!

About the Author

Believing she was born in the wrong era, J’nell Ciesielski spends her days creating heart-Jnell-Ciesielski--169x300stopping heroes, brave heroines, and adventurous exploits in times gone by. Winner of the Romance Through the Ages contest and Maggie Award, J’nell can often be found dreaming of a second home in Scotland, indulging in chocolate of any kind, or watching old black and white movies. Born a Florida girl, she now calls Virginia home, along with her very understanding husband, young daughter, and one lazy beagle. Find out more at www.jnellciesielski.com.

More from J’nell

The most popular question an author is asked is where did the inspiration come from. Most of the time, if not always, my inspiration comes from a trifecta of resources: movies, music, or books. A single song lyric, or secondary character, or novel setting can trigger a whole world of possibilities that has to be explored. In the case of Songbird and the Spy, it was a movie. A Quentin Tarantino movie to be exact set during WWII where one of the characters is a British officer posing as a Nazi meets up with other spies in a French bar. Another character was a Jewish woman posing as a theater owning Frenchwoman. My brain immediately tingled with ideas. What if identities were all in question? What if you fell in love with the wrong person? Not just the wrong person, but the enemy? The drama and tension in such a situation would be unbelievable!

And that is how Songbird was born.

Here are a few bits of trivia for you:

  • Songbird was originally titled Iron Shepherd for Michael’s call sign.
  • There have been three or four different endings written.
  • Michael Reiner was based off of Michael (see what I did there?!) Fassbender’s character in Inglorious Basterds. The actor was born in Germany to German and Irish parents, and later grew up in Ireland J Art imitating life.
  • Music always makes its way into my stories and here it takes center stage.
  • I’ve always wanted to write a USO story so the ending was my perfect chance to squeeze it in.
  • Ilsa von Ziegler was based off of Elsa Schneider from Indiana Jones.
  • There was a scene showing Michael at SOE training in Scotland, but it was later cut.
  • Nazi headquarters in Paris really was located on Foch Ave. The building is still there.
  • The molten lead that Michael’s new assistant talks about is a German New Year’s tradition to divine fortune in the coming year. A small bit of lead or tin is melted, and then dropped in water. The form created by the metal predicts the future.
  • Chanteuse is a female singer. Edith Piaf, the most famous French singer of all, was known as The Little Sparrow. Songbird and chanteuse are both used to reference Claire and pay homage to Piaf.

My Review

World War II, occupied France, Nazi, undercover operators. I’ve never understood how anyone escaped occupied France. Just like in the French Revolution, so many died with little provocation. So many innocent lives lost and dreams smothered.

Claire Baudin thinks she is about to spend an exciting time with her extended family in France. Little did she know her days will turn to turmoil, fear, and abandonment. She has no idea how she will return to America. Her life hangs on how she handles every day in the Nazi infested region.

Michael Reiner has extreme talent with languages and customs that Britain wants him on the Special Operations team. He poses as a Nazi Captain with the mission to expose and intercept Nazi messages and maneuvers. Espionage.

I loved the history, intrigue, and constant drama. How does anyone escape the clutches of those in control in occupied France? Thank you, J’nell Ciesielski for another great read.

Blog Stops

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, April 2

For Him and My FamilyApril 2

Among the Reads, April 3

Where Faith and Books Meet, April 3

Wishful Endings, April 4

Carpe Diem, April 4

Connect in Fiction, April 5

Emily Yager, April 5

Through the Fire Blogs, April 6

The Christian Fiction Girl, April 6

Hallie Reads, April 7

Lis Loves Reading, April 7

Babbling Becky’s Book Impressions, April 8

Genesis 5020, April 8

All-of-a-kind Mom, April 9

Godly Book Reviews, April 9

Stories By GinaApril 10

Maureen’s Musings, April 10

Carla Loves To Read, April 11

Mary Hake, April 11

Inklings and notionsApril 11

Inspired by Fiction, April 12

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, April 12

BigreadersiteApril 13

As He Leads is Joy, April 13

Texas Book-aholic, April 14

The Becca Files, April 14

janicesbookreviews, April 15

A Reader’s Brain, April 15

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, J’nell is giving away a grand prize of a print copy of Songbird and $25 Amazon gift card!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter. https://promosimple.com/ps/dfe9/the-songbird-and-the-spy-celebration-tour-giveaway

I hope you will leave a comment on this blog.

Review and Giveaway–The Baggage Handler

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Tour page on Celebrate Lit

About the Book

In a similar vein to The Traveler’s Gift by Andy Andrews or Dinner with a Perfect Baggage-Handler-Cover-210x300Stranger by David Gregory, The Baggage Handler is a contemporary story that explores one question: What baggage are you carrying?

Three people take a flight that will change their lives forever.

Fresh off a run-in with his wife, harried businessman David disembarks the plane angry and impatient.

Gillian thought she would be more excited about coming to her niece’s wedding, but she is just hoping to survive.

Malcolm has gambled everything on this trip to start his fledgling artistic career. To him, failure means working in hardware in what his father calls “a real job.”

After each picks up the wrong suitcase, they make their way to a mysterious baggage depot in a deserted part of the city. There they meet the Baggage Handler, who shows them there is more in their baggage than what they have packed.

A simple baggage mix-up at the airport is more than an inconvenience when it forces three people to face the baggage they are unknowingly carrying around.

 

Click here to purchase your copy.

 

About the Author

David Rawlings is an Australian author, and a sports-mad father-of-three who loves david-rawlings-287x300humor and a clever turn-of-phrase. Over a 25-year career he has put words on the page to put food on the table, developing from sports journalism and copywriting to corporate communication. Now in fiction, he entices readers to look deeper into life with stories that combine the everyday with a sense of the speculative, addressing the fundamental questions we all face.

 

 

More from David

Watch the trailer: https://vimeo.com/250255594

Check out David’s Padlet page to follow The Baggage Handlerhttps://padlet.com/david_rawlings/TheBaggageHandler

My Review

The Baggage Handler gives a fresh look at how carrying around extra baggage can change the lives of any person from the young man starting out in life to a wife and mother of two to a businessman wanting to climb to the top. Each represents potential happiness traded for misconceived conceptions that life tends to push on them.

As I read it, I put myself into the lives of the individuals. Why do I carry around unneeded baggage and problems?  The Baggage Handler, although fictional, leaves the reader with personal questions and possible answers to leading a life more in line with what God planned in the beginning. This is the best short inspirational book that I’ve read in a while.

 

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, March 30

Fiction Aficionado, March 30

Carpe Diem, March 31

Where Crisis & Christ Collide, March 31

Christian Author, J.E. Grace, April 1

Christian Bookaholic, April 1

Godly Book Reviews, April 2

Remembrancy, April 2

Jeanette’s Thoughts, April 3

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, April 3

Spoken from the Heart, April 4

Connect in Fiction, April 4

2014 and Beyond!, April 5

The Becca Files, April 5

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, April 6

Inklings and notions, April 6

Texas Book-aholic, April 7

janicesbookreviews, April 7

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, April 8

All 4 and About Books, April 8

Creating Romance, April 9

Josephine’s Bookshelf, April 9

Aryn The Libraryan, April 10

Reader’s Cozy Corner, April 10

Bigreadersite, April 11

Just the Write Escape, April 11

Artistic Nobody, April 12

A Reader’s Brain, April 12

Giveaway

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To celebrate his tour, David is giving away a finished copy of the book to three winners!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter. https://promosimple.com/ps/dd7a/the-baggage-handler-celebration-tour-giveaway